Two north Baltimore communities are dealing with a series of violent crimes that have police stepping up patrols and offering rewards for information.

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Baltimore City police are intensifying efforts to solve a series of armed robberies and home invasions in the city's Homeland and Waverly sections, which are areas that don't normally experience lots of crime.

In the Homeland neighborhood, police said a man has robbed a handful of residents in the Villages of Homeland section by gun and knifepoint. Police said several times, the man forced his way into homes while the victims were inside to rob them of cash.

The latest incident was Thursday, when police said the culprit was waiting on a woman's second-floor balcony and then forced his way in when she opened the door.

"That is obviously nothing you want to experience and nothing we've ever heard about before," said Homeland resident Jamie Seward. "It's very concerning. I encourage everyone to watch out and be careful of your surroundings. Look around before you get in your house, and make sure no one is following you."

A few miles south, in the city's Waverly neighborhood, a man armed with a handgun has been robbing women at bus stops, city police said.

"He's pulling out a handgun, and he's snatching women's purses. He's actually targeting women getting on or off the buses," said police spokesman Vernon Davis.

Detectives said they are working with Maryland Transit Administration Police to see if surveillance cameras on the buses caught any of the incidents on tape.

Police released a sketch of the man, posted above, in connection with those armed robberies. Police said the man is black, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall with an average build. He was last seen wearing dark clothing, a camouflage jacket and a black mask over his face.

Detectives said the man they're looking for in the Homeland cases is also black, about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall with a thick build who was wearing dark clothing and a dark ski mask.

Investigators said they can't yet say if the cases may be connected.

If you have any information regarding either investigation, contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP, or text "MCS" and your tip to CRIMES (274637).